Custom Mirror and Glass Shop
Cut, finish and sell mirrors made to size for homes, shops and gyms from a small workshop unit.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or workshop unit that cuts mirrors to size, polishes edges, and sells ready-made mirrors and framed options. Larger jobs are measured and fitted on site.
Your first three steps
- Visit a few glass and mirror shops to compare prices, then get quotes from glass wholesalers for sheet mirror and supplies
- Look at small industrial units nearby and check with your local council that the use is allowed
- Make sample mirrors and show them to local builders, designers and gyms to get your first orders
Who pays
Homeowners, renovators, interior designers, gyms, dance studios, salons and small businesses.
How it makes money
Price per mirror based on size, thickness and edge finish, plus extra for framing, delivery and fitting. Trade customers can give repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Careful, safe handling of glass
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance
- Australian Standards for safety glass in some uses, check what applies to the jobs you take
- Council zoning and approval for a workshop or shop
- Workplace health and safety for glass cutting, including cut protection and manual handling
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a custom mirror and glass shop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, equipment and stock. These are estimates only, so get quotes for your own workshop unit, cutting gear and fit-out before you commit.
How much can a custom mirror workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many jobs you take, your location and whether you add on-site fitting. This is an estimate, not a guarantee, and your costs come out of it.
What rules and insurance should I check before opening a glass workshop?
Check public liability and product liability insurance, Australian Standards for safety glass in the jobs you take, and council zoning and approval for your premises. Also check workplace health and safety for glass cutting, and workers compensation once you hire staff.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Local handmade gift and craft shop
Open a small shop stocking handmade items from local artisans for gift buyers and shoppers in your town.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Kimono boutique with a small shopfront
Open a small shop where customers can try on, learn about and buy kimono and traditional Japanese clothing.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Second-hand appliance shop with workshop
Run a small shopfront selling tested, refurbished appliances with a workshop out the back.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bangle and jewellery shop
Open a small shop selling bangles and festive jewellery to wedding and gift shoppers.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Gift wrap and packaging shop
Open a small local shop for wrapping paper, ribbons and gift packaging, with an in-store wrapping service.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Second-hand bookshop with a shopfront
Open a small shop selling pre-owned books, buying stock from locals and building a loyal readership.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises